RNC 2024: Delegates arriving in Milwaukee from across the nation
MILWAUKEE - Thousands of people from across the nation will descend on southeast Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention, including nearly 2,400 delegates.
On Saturday morning, planes touched down at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport carrying delegates and other RNC attendees.
"Lots of opportunities to see speeches on the floor, to hear reports, but there will also be a lot of time just to talk to a lot of Republicans from around the country," said Jerry Cummings, an alternate delegate from Portland, Oregon.
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The four-day event will feature speeches from high-profile Republicans. Fiserv Forum is where Donald Trump is set to accept the party’s nomination for the third time.
"We need a business owner. We need a business person," added Brian Yanoviak, a delegate from Chester County, Pennsylvania.
RNC 2024: What to expect as Republicans gather in Milwaukee
There will be the usual convention tasks. Delegates, almost 2,400 of them, must approve a platform and formally designate the presidential ticket: Trump and his yet-to-be-named running mate.
Battleground Wisconsin
Delegates FOX6 talked with said this is their first time in Milwaukee. They clearly recognize Wisconsin is a battleground state in the election.
"I’ve heard a lot of incredible things about the city. I’m looking forward to meeting people down in Milwaukee," said Cummings.
"I’m expecting to see who President Trump picks as VP," Yanoviak said. "It’s a great responsibility because I’m representing the people that actually voted for me."
2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) display at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
The convention will be monumental for attendees, and there’s plenty of anticipation.
"I’m just here to take it all in," said Mike Moeller of North Carolina. "Basically, everyone comes together, and we can really start moving together. And get as many people out to vote as we can."
While plenty of delegates trickled into Milwaukee, the airport actually expects the two days following the convention to be its busiest.
Finishing touches
As the finishing touches went up around Fiserv Forum, visitors from all over checked out conventional central.
"This is a once in a lifetime type thing," said Dwight Iverson from Illinois. "The city looks wonderful, the people are wonderful and it’s going to be a great convention for the city and the party."
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Iverson was in Milwaukee to visit family, but said he could not leave without stopping by the elephant in the city. He was only in town on Saturday, but Susan Grenon of Rhode Island will be staying for the week.
"It’s so beautiful. Everybody’s so friendly," said Grenon, an alternate delegate. "Your skylines, old and new mixed. It’s beautiful."
Bastille Days
It's not just the RNC that drew crowds to the city. Outside the security perimeter at Cathedral Square, out-of-towners enjoyed some French flare at Bastille Days.
"We didn’t realize Milwaukee was as beautiful as it is," said Stacey Empson of Evanston, Illinois.
Empson and her husband, Eric Ruderman, are on a weekend getaway to celebrate an anniversary.
"Haven't been to Milwaukee for a long time and really enjoyed it," said Ruderman.
As Milwaukee shines in the spotlight, locals said the attention is good.
"It’s about time we get some more exposure, and hopefully people enjoy it as much as we do here," said resident Ashley Higgins.
Bastille Days continues through Sunday.